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Programs in Cusco
M ORAY
Moray (3,500 masl) lies just 7 km away from
Maras, although the road to it is not always in
good condition. This community is famous for its
embedded amphitheater, formed by four circular
terraces which seem to disappear into the
interior of the puna, like an artificial crater.
Evidence seems to suggest that Moray was an
important center of Inca agricultural research
on crops, which was carried out on different
sized plots located at various altitudes (some
of which were at more than 100 m underground).
The Andean terraces, built on retaining walls
filled with fertile soil and watered via a
complex irrigation system, offer up more than
250 different types of vegetables and cereals,
such as corn, quinoa and kiwicha..
MARAS
Maras is a small community 40 kilometers from
the city of Cusco, on a turnoff from the road to
the town of Urubamba. Its main attraction, apart
from its church, that dates from the colonial
period, are the salt mines located near the town
which captivate sightseers and, in particular;
photographers. Salt is extracted from mines
which have been in use since pre-Columbian
times. The extraction method employed involves
using an ancient drying process, whereby
salt¬water, flowing from an underground stream,
is left in the sun in thousands of wells until
it has evaporated, leaving behind only the salt,
which is then ready to be sold or exchanged for
provisions. During the summer months (April
October) the shimmering spectacle offered by the
pool s is incomparable.
WHAT´S INCLUDED
Transport.
Guide: Spanish, English, Portuguess
Meal ( buffet).
WHAT´S NOT INCLUDED
Tourist ticket. |